Talks between Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia are slated for later this month to continue discussions on the latter’s name, the United Nations announced today.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Personal Envoy Matthew Nimetz initiated the meeting, which will be hosted by the UN in Geneva on 22 June, after which Mr. Nimetz will travel to the capitals, Skopje and Athens, in early July to meet with government officials.
When the countries met in October, Mr. Nimetz presented a set of ideas to both sides for their consideration. The Envoy had previously proposed several alternatives, but the Governments remained far apart on reaching a satisfactory compromise name for the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
The Interim Accord of 13 September 1995, which was brokered by the UN, details the difference between the two countries on the issue. It also obliges the two sides to continue negotiations under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General to try to reach agreement.
